According to Blue Ridge Parkway Chief Ranger, Steve Stinnett, the man was walking near Trout Lake with his 10-year-old son and their dogs around 5:00 Wednesday afternoon. Stinnett said the man walked onto the frozen lake to try and retrieve his dogs. Stinnett explained the father and son may have had up to four dogs with them at the time of the incident.

The victim has since been identified as Robert Todd.

Stinnett said the Todd’s son did not walk out onto the ice and did not sustain any injuries Wednesday afternoon.

According to Stinnett, the National Parks Service is working with the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office in investigating the incident.

A representative with the Watauga County Rescue Squad said Watauga Medics, Blowing Rock Fire & Rescue, Blowing Rock Police, Watauga Rescue, the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, the NC Highway Patrol, and Blue Ridge Parkway Rangers responded to the scene. Blowing Rock Fire & Rescue and Watauga Rescue made the find in the water.

The representative said Watauga Medics took Todd to Watauga Medical Center.